Early Diagnosis a Key for Kids, Polk Expert Says

"One of the big problems is when children are so withdrawn you don't know what's going on," said Dr. Anne Tyson, Lakeland psychiatrist.

A child who is withdrawn, not responding, uncooperative, confrontational and-or irritable and moody could have attention deficit disorder, she said, but it's more likely to be one of many other things, such as depression, anxiety disorder or insufficient sleep.

Traits found in children with attention deficit disorder include carelessness, inconsistent performance, not following instructions, never seeming prepared, procrastination and forgetting to do their work or forgetting to bring things in, Tyson said.

Symptoms of depression include irritability, being resentful or dissatisfied, having poor self-esteem or self-image, overreacting to disappointment or frustration, being hypersensitive to criticism and giving up easily.

This is an excerpt from The Ledger.com. To read the entire article (click here)